Monday, June 15, 2015

Her Final Request by Joe Guastaferro

She awoke, ecstatic to see us after we rushed to the hospital from our Christmas cruise.

The e-mails were candid, ‘Mom in hospital. Home can’t deal with outbursts and rudeness!’ This was inevitable after three strokes and a heart attack.

Facilities for dementia? Where?  Mortal health and emotional complications, copious drugs, delusional dreams, faltering hope.

At age forty-one she had been widowed with six children and no job. She was resolute.

Her family dismantled.  Suicide for one, alcohol for another, and a breakdown for her, yet she persevered.


Now, at 90, she heard her husband calling. Her last request was for dignity. All was removed. She smiled, then let go.   FINIS.